Raiders name team to play the
Sharks

Canberra Raiders coach Matt Elliott has named backrower Michael Hodgson in an extended squad as the club prepares for Sunday?s top-of-the-table clash against the Cronulla Sharks at Canberra Stadium.

Hodgson made a successful return from a broken rib in Premier League last weekend, and has been named in a 19-man squad to prepare for Sunday?s NRL match against the Sharks.

Elliott has retained the 17 players who combined to defeat the Panthers 26-18 at Penrith on Saturday night, adding Hodgson and forward Josh Miller to that group.

Hodgson has been a regular starter with the Raiders since joining the club in 2001, playing 69 of his 89 NRL matches with the Green machine. He has only played one Premier League match with the Raiders in that time ? last weekend.

Having missed Canberra?s opening game of the season to be at the birth of his first child, Hodgson suffered broken ribs in the Raiders? the second match against Souths. He has watched his teammates establish a shared position at the top of the NRL ladder and he is champing at the bit to re-join the side.

?The way I look at it, my season starts now,? Hodgson said. ?Whether I end up playing Premier League or first grade this weekend, I?m going to be striving to play my best footy.?

?I?ve been training hard with our conditioning staff while I?ve been out, so I?m keen to get a run in first grade whenever I get the call.?

The Raiders will resume training tomorrow at Northbourne Oval, Braddon, at 10am.